Final answer:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were critical pieces of legislation resulting from the intense civil rights protests, spearheaded by groups like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. These acts targeted discrimination in public accommodations and voting, respectively, and were instrumental in ending institutionalized racial discrimination in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965
The formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1960 was instrumental in intensifying civil rights protests that significantly contributed to the passage of landmark civil rights legislation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a pivotal piece of legislation that banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin in employment practices and public accommodations. It also ended the unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools and the workplace. Furthermore, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which came about largely due to the momentum built by the civil rights movement, restored and protected voting rights, specifically targeting barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.
Contrary to statements suggesting that protests shifted to focus on public accommodations post-1965, they were, in fact, a major issue addressed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 itself. Also, civil rights protests covered a wide range of issues beyond just voting rights, including desegregation, economic equality, and broader societal discrimination.
The contributions of civil rights groups like CORE, the SCLC, and the SNCC, along with significant public demonstrations and support, led to the eradication of institutionalized discrimination with these acts, altering American society and legal structure profoundly.